When we find ourselves under stress or struggling with health issues, it can be completely overwhelming. Negative thoughts can dominate our day and affect everything we do. There is not always an easy answer but there are strategies we can employ to help us cope a little better.

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One of the ways we can sort through our thoughts and feelings is to immerse ourselves in a creative pursuit. It doesn’t matter whether you have particular skills, it’s not the end result that matters – it’s the process.

According to Psychology Today, studies show that ’creative expression has a powerful impact on the health and well-being of various patient populations,’ and that ’creative experiences have a protective effect on the brain.’

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I have been privileged to work for an organisation that offers art therapy and creative writing sessions, and have seen the benefits that this self-expression can have on people who have experienced trauma in their lives.

It doesn’t matter if you have never attempted anything creative in the past, or whether your end result is worthy of an art exhibition, if you are open to the journey of exploring your feelings and releasing them in creative ways, you will reap positive benefits.

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I recently conducted some creative writing workshops and of the six participants, only one had ever attempted writing poetry in the past. By the end of only one session, not only were they all producing poetry, but it was beautiful, expressive, heartfelt poetry. To see the pride and satisfaction that they felt at their efforts was as uplifting to me as it was to them.

So, if you are struggling with negative feelings, emotions or experiences in your life, or even if you are just looking for a little positive distraction, pick up a pen, paintbrush, sewing needle or glue-gun and have a go. You may even like to seek out an art therapy or writing therapy group for a little moral support and positive sharing – and, who knows? You might just discover a new passion and purpose in your life.